What does it take to be a winner in life? Since life is often difficult, perseverance is needed to see us through. We easily forget that during all the ups and downs of life we are actually soldiers in an elite army. Perseverance is a marvelous principle. It is a “dig in” kind of word, reminding us that we have to dig deep trenches to withstand Satan’s attacks.
Friends, because we have a terrible and determined enemy we are enlisted as part of the army of God. “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Tim 2:3 Serving in the Christian army is required duty with priority over other demands. However, let us be encouraged that our trials and service are meant to give something to us not take from us. They are able, when looked at from Gods perspective, to teach us joy. Joy in embracing God’s plan and purpose for us. We must stop fighting His call and respond to Him as our superior officer. It’s amazing to see how perseverance as well as submission to authority causes real growth and maturity. “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4
No matter what we are experiencing we can overcome through a complete commitment to our commander-in-chief. We have persevered when we lay down our life before Christ willing even to die for Him. “And they overcame him because of the blood of the lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” Rev 12:11 The apostle Peter assures us that God’s ways are effective and rewarding. “So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure… so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.” 1 Peter 1:6,7 Friends, let us focus on persevering and overcoming till Jesus returns. We are the people who keep on, keep at it, and keep going. Perseverance will take us all the way home.
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Persevere in Thankfulness
Persevere in Thankfulness
Catching a Vision by Viv 